Between September 3rd and 10th, 2024, the Faculty of Biotechnology (ESB) at Universidade Católica Portuguesa welcomed its new students from the Bachelor’s programs in Bioengineering, Microbiology, Science and Society, and Nutritional Sciences with a week filled with integration and social activities.
The welcome week began on September 3rd with an official reception for the new students, followed by an icebreaker activity, including the traditional planting of a tree in the gardens of the Faculty of Biotechnology, symbolizing the start of a new journey. During the morning, the students attended the Inaugural Lecture, where they had the opportunity to meet some of their professors and gain an overview of their courses. In the afternoon, the new students experienced their first laboratory session. On September 4th, the students took part in a picnic and social gathering, fostering friendships and connections between students from different degree programs.
September 5th was marked by two important welcome sessions. The first, aimed at new students and their families, took place in the Arménio Miranda Auditorium. During the session, the faculty and staff warmly welcomed the students, reinforcing ESB’s commitment to academic excellence and close support throughout the students’ journey. Paula Castro, the Director of the Faculty of Biotechnology, emphasized in her speech: “This welcome week is essential to ensure that our students feel part of the community from day one. We want them to know that we are here to support their academic path, and they can count on us every step of the way”.
Later that afternoon, the general welcome session for all new students of Universidade Católica in Porto was held. The ceremony, which took place in the Ilídio Pinho Auditorium, featured Isabel Braga da Cruz, Pro-Rector of Universidade Católica Portuguesa, who offered her warm welcome and shared words of encouragement for this new chapter in the students’ academic lives.
The welcome week concluded on September 10th with the activity "Science Without Age", which gave students the opportunity to share knowledge and experiences with members of the senior community, highlighting the social and scientific role of the Faculty of Biotechnology in society.
Through this week of activities, the Faculty of Biotechnology reinforced its commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive academic environment, preparing its new students for a successful university journey.
